Ages 
Nurturing in every sense, Lord Wandsworth boasts exceptional grounds, green spaces and resources, homely boarding houses and a sense of community, coupled with a passion for success, both in the classroom and on the playing fields.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 706 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 192 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £31,752 - £37,332. Boarding £45,648 - £52,920
- Local authority
- Hampshire County Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Adam Williams
Since 2015, Adam Williams. Perth-born (but lost the accent after an early move to the UK), he studied geography at Durham then taught at Bradfield, where he became head of geography. Thence to Oakham, leading ‘enormous’ geography department and 10
Entrance
Lightly selective, with equal numbers joining at 11+ and 13+ via their own pre-test. Minimum score of 105 required, plus interview and reference. ‘We are looking for pupils who are naturally curious and want to get stuck in,’ says school.
Pupils
- Open days
- Throughout the year; Annual Open Evening: June
Exit
Around a quarter leave after year 11 to a range of strong local state sixth forms. Vast majority of sixth formers to university, nearly half to Russell Group. Cardiff, Exeter and Durham most popular recently. Wide range of courses include arts and
Latest results
In 2025, 47 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 50 per cent A*/A (81 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Lessons we saw were focused and cheerful – no mean feat during exam season. But class upon class were going over past papers and actively revising with smiling faces, fun quizzes and informal interaction. The vibe throughout was ‘we’re in this
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
35 per cent of students (including eight EHCPs) on the SEN register. Pupils are primarily on the register for dyslexia and the SEN team manage this in the classroom ‘with high-quality adaptive teaching’.
With ‘significant investment’ from the SEN
Arts & extracurricular
The school is well kitted-out for the arts, with two large theatre spaces and a mirrored dance studio – all in good use in our visit. Drama popular, with two whole-school performances – most recently a ‘hilarious’ production of One Man, Two Guvnors.
Sport
A proudly sport-obsessed school, with rugby, netball, cricket and hockey at its heart and a dizzying number of fixtures. They do particularly well in rugby and netball and hockey sees 80 per cent of students participating. Football (hugely popular)
Boarders
Flexi boarding has risen swiftly to 40 per cent in recent years. 10 per cent are full boarders (just 3.5 per cent international, a number the head is committed to growing) and the rest board weekly. Day students (40 per cent) are fully integrated
Ethos & heritage
Founded by Sydney James Stern (Lord Wandsworth), a Liberal MP, via a bequest to educate the children of bereaved agricultural workers who needed a boarding environment in 1912, with first pioneering ‘Foundationers’ arriving in 1922. Fee-paying
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Phenomenal’ pastoral care delivered through the house system. ‘Fantastic on friendship issues’, parents tell us, adding that the school is ‘quick to act’ when needed, with staff taking great pride in the resulting inclusivity: ‘it’s like coming into
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review First and second form pupils are not permitted to have mobile phones at school. Third form are not permitted phones for the first half of autumn term. Thereafter phones should be invisible for third form and above during the school day 8.30am - 6pm, though can be used in boarding houses and in the sixth form centre, and at weekends (apart from mealtimes), and can be used in prep if authorised. If visible outside of these bounds, the phone will be confiscated and stored securely in main school reception.
Pupils & parents
We found students (60/40 male female split) bursting with confidence, polished and proud of their school and achievements. Their parents range from ‘millionaires to bursary recipients’ – all one cohesive community, we heard. Many told us how well
Money matters
Lord Wandsworth Foundation supports those bereaved or facing other challenging circumstances, offering up to 110 per cent of fees and boarding. Trust fund available for students faced with leaving at a ‘vital stage in their education’. Scholarships
- Fee information
- Day £31,752 - £37,332. Boarding £45,648 - £52,920
The last word
Nurturing in every sense, Lord Wandsworth boasts exceptional grounds, green spaces and resources, homely boarding houses and a sense of community, coupled with a passion for success, both in the classroom and on the playing fields.
